ACU dropped their final game at home against Stephen F. Austin 3-1.
The Wildcats kept it close as they split the first two sets. ACU lost the first set 25-21, but could not keep up in the second set, 25-15. The lumberjacks would come back after the break and go on to win easily 25-13 and 25-19.
The loss dropped the ‘cats record to 6-15 overall and 2-11 in the conference.
“A lot of it came down to unforced errors,” head coach Kellen Mock said. “We fought really hard but it just didn’t fall our way.”
Freshman Lexi Mercier was a bright spot for the ‘cats as she recorded eight blocks. Mercier leads the Southland Conference in blocks per set at 1.52. She also leads the team in points with 15.5. Mercier believes the team played well but had some holes in their performance.
“I thought we played hard but I feel like we could have started stronger and finished all the way through,” Mercier said. “We have to learn how to close out games and not allow teams to come back.”
Mock expected a lot of Mercier entering the season and felt that her performance this season has been great.
“I have been incredibly impressed with her consistency,” Mock said. “It’s one thing to be a great player every once in a while and have a great game every now and then. But to be able to play at a high level for a long period of games or even over the course of an entire season is something else. It’s special and it’s what separates the good from the great players.”
Sophomore Jennifer Loerch continued her strong offensive play as she recorded ten more kills against SFA to bring her season total to 246. Loerch also led all players with a .438 hitting percentage. Madison Hoover also led the team with 18 digs.
Stephen F. Austin played well offensively leading to four SFA players scoring at least ten points. Tori Bates led the way as she recorded 14 kills.
The wildcats will return to action Friday against former Lone Star rival and fellow Southland newcomer Incarnate Word. The game will be in San Antonio the cardinals bring in an 11-11 overall record with a 6-7 conference record.
